Employees from the Counseling Center honor a senior missionary Elder Lee Young who made a big difference in people’s lives
Lee Young, a senior missionary who worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center and BYU-Hawaii's Counseling Center, passed away in May 2024, days before he and his wife were supposed to return home to Idaho. Lynda Silva, a senior missionary working at BYUH's Counseling and Disability Services as a licensed psychologist, shared what Joseph Smith once said, “A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” This quote, she said, is a perfect description of the way Elder Young lived his life.
Silva said, “Elder Young was always looking for ways to reach out to connect with others and serve them.” She said Young and his wife were great examples of service. Silva said the Youngs were first to welcome her and her husband when they began their mission in Hawaii. “They took us to breakfast, took us on a tour of the PCC and did all they could to help us get settled and feel welcome.”
Silva said when she had to take care of some health issues that required her to go to the mainland, Elder Young and his wife invited her husband to dinner frequently, ensuring he had good meals while she was away. “Elder Young exemplified that kind of concern for the wellbeing of others in all of his relationships.”
Willing, kind and serviceable
Joshua Paul, an academic trainer at Counseling and Disability Services, said if one word described Elder Young, it would be “willing.” He said the counselors at the center are busy and most of them are booked with appointments. Some students come to their appointments early and Elder Young would find a time to meet with them, even just for a short time, said Paul. “He is always down to help and would do whatever he can to make sure the people around him are happy,” he continued.
Silva said one word she would use to describe Elder Young is “kind.” “Proactively kind,” she added. Elder Young was always looking for opportunities to reach out to other people in kindness, she continued. Kealohimakamae Aki-Kahawaii, an academic trainer from Hilo, said the word she would use to describe Elder Young is “serviceable.” Elder Young served two missions, she explained. “He worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center and Counseling Services. He juggled both of those. I know he gave his all to PCC, and he gave his all and more to the Counseling Center,” she continued.
Aki-Kahawaii said she worked with Elder Young for the last six months of his missionary service. She said if she were to see him again, she would say, “He made a difference in my life.” Although the difference did not seem to be a big thing, seeing Elder Young’s example influenced her, she added. Aki-Kahawaii said Elder Young would drop everything he was doing when they needed help. “He would come to an outreach and he would come to a presentation with us. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help us and the students,” she added.
Reaching beyond
Paul said he never had the chance to say goodbye because he had to leave the island, and by the time he got back, Elder Young had already passed. He said if he would have a chance to see Elder Young again he would say thank you. He said, “Elder Young was always super helpful and always wanted to do more. His example was really nice.”
“I had always known that Elder Young had a great impact on the students he counseled with in the counseling center,” said Silva. But during the Aloha Oe meeting they held for him, Silva said she learned that Elder Young’s impact “reached wider than the students he worked with.” As they shared their memories of Elder Young, she said she discovered how every staff member's life was touched by him and his kindness.